Let’s Talk About **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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For years, the Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 22% Off has been a staple at shooting ranges and hunting fields alike. Produced by Federal, these shells are designed to deliver consistent performance without breaking the bank. Their reputation for reliable primers, hard shot, and a consistent wad column makes them a popular choice among seasoned shooters and novices.
My journey to Federal Premium Top Gun began with a frustrating search for a reliable, yet affordable 20-gauge shell for clay shooting. I was tired of inconsistent patterns and shells that felt like they were loaded with more powder than shot. I needed something that could consistently break clays without punishing my shoulder or my wallet.
Upon unboxing (or rather, opening the case), I was immediately impressed by the clean crimps and consistent appearance of each shell. The shells felt solid, and the brass was clean and polished. The packaging itself was functional and sturdy, ensuring the shells arrived in perfect condition.
I considered several alternatives, including Winchester AA and Remington Gun Club, but the Federal Premium Top Gun won out due to its reputation for consistency and availability at a competitive price point. The Winchester AAs are excellent, but often pricier. Remington Gun Clubs are comparable, but I’ve experienced occasional primer issues with them in the past.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I’d heard good things, but I’ve also learned not to trust hearsay alone. I was excited to put these shells to the test and see if they lived up to their reputation for consistent performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition at my local shooting range, a well-maintained facility with both skeet and trap fields. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, typical for a late spring afternoon. I used my trusty Beretta Silver Pigeon I, a 20-gauge known for its smooth swing and reliable action.
The Federal Premium Top Gun shells performed admirably in these conditions. They consistently broke clays with authority, and the recoil was manageable, even after several rounds of skeet. The patterns seemed tight and even, with no noticeable gaps or flyers.
The shells loaded smoothly into my Beretta and ejected cleanly after each shot. I experienced no malfunctions or misfires, which is always a good sign. The wad column seemed to do its job, minimizing felt recoil and contributing to the consistent patterns.
Initially, I was surprised by the clean burning of the powder. Some cheaper shells leave a lot of residue in the barrel, but the Federal Premium Top Gun shells kept my Beretta relatively clean, even after several boxes. This meant less time cleaning and more time shooting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my Beretta without a single misfire or failure to eject. This consistency is crucial for both competitive shooting and hunting.
The shells have held up well in varying weather conditions, from hot and humid summer days to cool and damp autumn mornings. I’ve stored them in my gun safe, and they’ve shown no signs of degradation or corrosion. The crimps remain tight, and the primers still look pristine.
Cleaning my Beretta after shooting Federal Premium Top Gun continues to be a breeze. The powder burns cleanly, leaving minimal residue in the barrel and action. A quick wipe-down with a bore snake and a few drops of oil is all it takes to keep my gun in top condition.
Compared to my previous experience with cheaper, bulk-packed shells, the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition is a significant step up in terms of both performance and reliability. It consistently delivers tighter patterns, cleaner burning, and fewer malfunctions, making it well worth the slightly higher price. I no longer find myself questioning whether a missed clay was due to my technique or the ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: Federal.
- Gauge: 20.
- Number of Rounds: 25.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 in.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1210 ft/s.
- Application: Target Shooting.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 7/8 oz.
- Shot Material: Lead.
- Primer Style: Centerfire.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
- Lead Free: No.
These specifications translate to a shell that is optimized for target shooting and small game hunting. The 20-gauge is known for its manageable recoil and effectiveness at moderate ranges. The 7/8 oz shot weight provides a good balance between pattern density and recoil, making it suitable for a variety of shooters.
The 1210 ft/s muzzle velocity ensures that the shot has enough energy to break clays and effectively take down small game. The centerfire primer provides reliable ignition, even in adverse weather conditions. The brass cartridge case ensures smooth feeding and extraction in most shotguns.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently delivers tight, even patterns, making it ideal for breaking clays and taking down small game at moderate ranges. The reliable primer ignition and clean-burning powder ensure consistent performance and minimal malfunctions.
One of the main strengths of this ammunition is its consistent patterns. The unique wad column design ensures that the shot stays together longer, resulting in fewer flyers and a more consistent spread. This translates to more broken clays and cleaner kills.
However, one potential weakness is the lead shot. While lead is an effective shot material, it is also environmentally harmful. Shooters who are concerned about lead contamination may want to consider using lead-free alternatives, although these are typically more expensive.
Overall, the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition meets and exceeds my expectations for a target shooting and small game hunting load. It provides consistent performance, reliable ignition, and manageable recoil, making it a top choice for shooters of all skill levels.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition is simple and functional. The shells are clean, well-crimped, and easy to load into the shotgun. The brass cartridge case provides smooth feeding and extraction, minimizing the risk of malfunctions.
The weight of the shells is well-balanced, providing manageable recoil without sacrificing pattern density. The hard shot ensures that the pellets retain their shape and energy, resulting in more effective target penetration.
The shells are user-friendly and require no special preparation or handling. Simply load them into your shotgun and you’re ready to go. There’s no learning curve involved, making them ideal for both experienced shooters and novices.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition is designed to last. The shells are constructed from high-quality materials that are resistant to moisture and corrosion. The crimps are tight and secure, preventing the shot from spilling out.
With proper storage, these shells should last for many years. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing them in damp or humid environments, as this can cause corrosion and degradation of the powder.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down your shotgun after shooting to remove any powder residue. There’s no need to clean the shells themselves, as they are designed to be single-use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone product that is designed to be used with any standard 20-gauge shotgun.
However, there are several accessories that can enhance the performance of this ammunition. For example, you can use different chokes to control the pattern spread. A tighter choke will result in a denser pattern at longer ranges, while a more open choke will provide a wider pattern at closer ranges.
There are also several aftermarket wads and shot cups that can further improve pattern consistency. These are typically used by competitive shooters who are looking for every possible advantage. Experimenting with different chokes and wads can fine-tune the performance of the ammunition to match your specific shooting style and target.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Consistent patterns: The unique wad column design ensures tight, even patterns, resulting in more broken clays and cleaner kills.
- Reliable ignition: The centerfire primer provides reliable ignition, even in adverse weather conditions.
- Manageable recoil: The 7/8 oz shot weight and clean-burning powder result in manageable recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels.
- Clean-burning powder: The powder burns cleanly, leaving minimal residue in the barrel and action, reducing cleaning time.
- Affordable price: The Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition is competitively priced, making it an excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Lead shot: The lead shot is environmentally harmful.
- Not ideal for long-range hunting: While effective at moderate ranges, the 20-gauge may not be powerful enough for larger game at longer distances.
Who Should Buy **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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The Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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This product is not ideal for hunters who are pursuing larger game at longer ranges. The 20-gauge may not provide enough power and range for ethical kills on larger animals.
A must-have accessory is a good choke set that allows you to tailor the pattern to your specific shooting needs. Also, consider investing in a quality gun cleaning kit to keep your shotgun in top condition.
Conclusion on **Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
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In summary, the Federal Premium Top Gun 20 Gauge 7/8oz Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 22% Off is an excellent choice for shooters who are looking for a reliable, consistent, and affordable load for target shooting and small game hunting. Its tight patterns, reliable ignition, and manageable recoil make it a top performer in its class.
The price is justified by the consistent performance and reliability of the ammunition. While there are cheaper options available, they often sacrifice quality and consistency.
I would personally recommend the Federal Premium Top Gun ammunition to anyone who is looking for a dependable and affordable 20-gauge load. It has consistently performed well for me in a variety of shooting scenarios, and I am confident that it will do the same for you.
So, grab a case of Federal Premium Top Gun and head to the range. You won’t be disappointed!